The Global Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI) Association was formed in 2004 as an inclusive networking organization of academic and research institutions, government agencies, commercial geomatics firms, national and regional GI associations and individuals (geo professionals and students) from around the world.

The purpose of the Association was to promote international cooperation and collaboration in support of local, national and international spatial data infrastructure (SDI) research and implementations that would allow nations to better address social, economic, and environmental issues of pressing importance, including sustainable development.

SDI-related GSDI Projects co-funded by the Association and implemented by members.

Since 1996, the Association conducted GSDI World Conferences around the globe, offering significant networking opportunities and offering the opportunity for SDI researchers and SDI implementors to present their latest work, challenges and solutions. The final conference, GSDI 15, was held in Taipei, Taiwan, 29 November to 2 December 2016. See more about the GSDI World Conference here.

During its history, GSDI developed liasons and Memorandums of Understanding with several global organisations, including:

International Cartographic Association (ICA)

International Federation of Surveyors (FIG)

International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS)

International Society for Digital Earth (ISDE)

Centre for Disaster Management and Public Safety (CDMPS - Univ. of Melbourne)